Learn how to make symbols with the "Alt" key on your computer or laptop
Do you want to type symbols with your keyboard on Windows, Mac, Linux, or Chromebook? These are specifically known as "Alt Codes" and you can use them on almost any computer or laptop! This wikiHow article teaches you how to type symbols using the "Alt" key on your keyboard.
Alt Key Symbol Cheat Sheets
Things You Should Know
- Pressing the "Alt" key while typing a code on the number pad on Windows results in a special character.
- Press the "Opt" key on Mac to find special characters like the "Alt" key on Windows.
- On Linux and Chromebooks, you can press Ctrl + Shift + U to type any Unicode character, as long as the font you're typing it in supports it.
Steps
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhy doesn't Alt+9773 make a hammer and sickle symbol?Community AnswerThe 9000 series of codes only work in certain fonts. Entering the code in Word will usually work, provided the font supports it. It may not work in your browser or other programs,.
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QuestionHow do I invert the "?" symbol?Community AnswerIf you are using a PC, you can type the inverted question mark by entering the ALT codes 0191, 6824, or 168 on your number pad. If you are on a Mac, you can enter the "¿" symbol by pressing "Shift" and "Option" simultaneously and then, without releasing, typing the "?" symbol.
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QuestionHow do I type the "@" symbol on a Spanish keyboard?Community AnswerBecause Spanish keyboards usually have accents where the @ symbol would normally be, you need to use a slightly different code. You can try the ALT code 64 for a PC, or you can type "Control" + "Shift" and then the key with the @ symbol printed on it.
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Tips
- If the Windows Alt code includes zeros, you must input them.Thanks
- If you have no numeric keypad, on Windows 10, you can use the on-screen keyboard (OSK) - hit Ctrl + ⊞ Win + O to open it.Thanks
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Warnings
- Alt codes only work with programs that accept an ASCII input.Thanks
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References
- ↑ http://www.alt-codes.net/currency-symbols
- ↑ http://reeddesign.co.uk/pdf/WindowsAltCodes.pdf
- ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/insert-ascii-or-unicode-latin-based-symbols-and-characters-d13f58d3-7bcb-44a7-a4d5-972ee12e50e0
- ↑ https://usefulshortcuts.com/alt-codes/bullet-alt-codes.php
- ↑ http://www.chriswrites.com/how-to-type-common-symbols-and-special-characters-in-os-x/
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